The Hospital Business
When Chris Collins said that Erie County was out of the hospital business, he was being deceitful – in this year’s case, to the tune of $23.8 million. That figure would have been $40 million, but for a credit that the hospital is holding to the county’s credit.
It may be a tough nut, and depending on to whom you listen, it may be fair and lawful. But it’s a huge subsidy that goes disproportionately to assist poor families in a poor county, and the county remains decidedly in the “hospital business” as long as the payouts continue.